Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

I don't think its the plate. The gasket looks good. But its flush with the plate.

I am running out of ideas.

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

It's not supposed to be flush with the plate. That would create no seal.

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

I looked closer. Its sticks out just a bit.

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

Did it just start out of no where or it's happened since the new motor was built?

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

Engine has under 50 miles. Pressure was fine when I installed it.

All I remember is one WOT run, then the pressure started dropping.

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

All back together.

Cold 20#. Hot 10# at idle.

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

So you addressed the oil pump, o-ring, cam retainer plate. Did you hook up a mechanical gauge to confirm the oil pressure? If so, sounds like its going to be terrible.

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

Thats the last thing I can do. Mechanical gauge.

NavyBlue99SS

I hate to tell you this but thats the FIRST thing you should have done. If the guage reads zero like you say it has then you would have some serious knocking and tapping going on. You would have heard the rods knocking and the lifters tapping due to no oil but you claim the engine sounds fine. This leads me to believe that you have a problem with the sending unit or a short some place causing incorrect values to be sent to the guage.

GET THAT MECHANICAL GUAGE HOOKED UP ASAP!

Good luck man I hope it turns out well for you!

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

I really thought it was a mechanical problem. But I have a gauge now. Just waiting for the adapters.

I am going to have to remove the blower belt to be able to hear the engine better.

Thanks.

NavyBlue99SS

I got my fingers crossed for you bro!

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

That is the first thing that should be done when diagnosing a low oil pressure problem. Verify with a mechanical gauge...... It might save you and your engine builder tons of grief

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

When you had the pan off how closely did you look at the oil pickup tube? Are you absolutely sure there's nothing blocking the flow in the tube or the screen on the end?

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

I pulled it completely off. The screen was completely clogged. I cleaned it all out and blew air through it.

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

Mechanical gauge verifies the low pressure. Guess it's internal. :rant:

Ed Blown Vert

iTrader: (2)

To close this out, it ended up being a cam bearing.
According to the new engine builder. It moved 1/4 in.

I am up and running again with a new rebuilt engine.

hammertime

iTrader: (1)

indeed

Glad to hear you have resolved the issue.

STAR

iTrader: (1)

Were they stock bearings or aftermarket? How does a cam bearing end up moving?